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'Unlawful' use of stop and search

More than a quarter of stop and search records examined did not include sufficient grounds to justify the lawful use of the power, police watchdog Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found in its first inspection of the power.

Officers 'not adhering to stop and search guidance'

Police officers are not adhering to the legal guidance on the power to stop and search, with the result that more than a quarter of searches conducted are "unlawful" according to a review by police watchdog Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC).

HM Inspector of Constabulary Stephen Otter said:

Officers are not adhering to the guidance on too many occasions. It has slipped down the chief constables' agenda since the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report.